Use 'akeru' when you intentionally change a closed object into an open state.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to change something from closed to open state.
- Specifically refers to physical objects like doors or boxes.
- Requires a subject performing the action.
一般的な文脈：日常生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。朝起きてカーテンを開ける、家に入るときにドアを開ける、プレゼントの箱を開けるなど、動作の対象は多岐にわたります。
- 1類語比較：「開く（あく）」は自動詞であり、「ドアが開く」のように状態の変化そのものに注目します。「開ける」は「誰かがドアを開ける」のように動作主（主語）の意志的な動作を強調します。また、「開く（ひらく）」は、より広い意味を持ち、本を開く、店を開く、会議を開くなど、抽象的な概念やイベントの開催にも使われます。
Examples
ドアを開けてください。
everydayPlease open the door.
会議室の窓を開けました。
formalI opened the window of the meeting room.
早くプレゼントを開けよう！
informalLet's open the present quickly!
新しい可能性を開ける。
academicTo open up new possibilities.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
心を開ける
open one's heart
道を開ける
make way
ふたを開ける
open a lid
Often Confused With
This is the intransitive version. Use it when describing the state of a door being open, rather than the act of opening it.
Use this for abstract concepts like opening a business, a book, or a ceremony. It has a wider, more formal scope.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Akeru is a standard transitive verb used in daily life. It is neutral in register, making it suitable for both casual and formal speech. Always ensure the particle 'o' is used to mark the object being opened.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse 'akeru' with 'aku'. Remember that 'akeru' requires an agent performing the action. Another mistake is using 'hiraku' for physical doors, which sounds slightly unnatural in casual contexts.
Tips
Focus on the intentional action
Remember that 'akeru' implies a person is doing the action. If you just see a door that is open, use 'aku'.
Don't confuse with 'hiraku'
While they overlap, 'akeru' is for physical openings like doors. Use 'hiraku' for books or events.
Politeness in requests
When asking someone to open something, use 'akete kudasai'. It is a standard, polite way to make a request.
Word Origin
Originates from the classical Japanese verb 'aku' (to open). The 'eru' suffix was added to denote the transitive action of making something open.
Cultural Context
Opening doors and windows is a daily ritual in Japan for ventilation (kanki), which is highly valued. It also symbolizes hospitality when welcoming guests into one's home.
Memory Tip
Think of 'A-keru' as 'Ah, clear!' when you open something and the view becomes clear. It's an action you do with your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「開ける」は他動詞で、人が何かを操作して開ける動作を指します。一方、「開く」は自動詞で、ドアが自然に開いたり、開いている状態そのものを指したりします。
はい、正しいです。閉じていた目をパッチリと開く動作には「開ける」を使います。
「店を開く」は「ひらく」と読み、ビジネスを始めるという意味になります。「店を開ける」と言うと、単にシャッターを開けて営業を開始する物理的な動作を指します。
物理的なものを開けるときは「あける」が一般的です。「ひらく」は、本、傘、会議、心など、少し広い意味や抽象的な対象に使われることが多いです。
Test Yourself
暑いので、窓を___ください。
依頼の形である「〜てください」には、動詞のて形が必要です。
次のうち、正しいものはどれですか？
「ドア」は「開ける」の目的語なので「を」を使います。
（プレゼントを / 開けました / 私は）
日本語の基本語順は「主語＋目的語＋動詞」です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'akeru' when you intentionally change a closed object into an open state.
- Used to change something from closed to open state.
- Specifically refers to physical objects like doors or boxes.
- Requires a subject performing the action.
Focus on the intentional action
Remember that 'akeru' implies a person is doing the action. If you just see a door that is open, use 'aku'.
Don't confuse with 'hiraku'
While they overlap, 'akeru' is for physical openings like doors. Use 'hiraku' for books or events.
Politeness in requests
When asking someone to open something, use 'akete kudasai'. It is a standard, polite way to make a request.
Examples
4 of 4ドアを開けてください。
Please open the door.
会議室の窓を開けました。
I opened the window of the meeting room.
早くプレゼントを開けよう！
Let's open the present quickly!
新しい可能性を開ける。
To open up new possibilities.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
